Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Aim: Preclinical dental training is essential for the development of psychomotor skills necessary for clinical practice.The study aimed to investigate the impact of teaching with a layered base plate blocks on cavity preparations and students' self-perceived confidence, readiness, and ability. Materials and methods:A cross-sectional study recruited 52 dental students into two groups; one trained (test) with layered base plate and the other without (control).Students answered an eight-question survey to assess self-perceived confidence, readiness, and ability for performing cavity preparation at the start of their first preclinical operative dentistry course.Students prepared one molar tooth for a class I cavity and two for class II cavities.Preparations were assessed for different elements of depth and outline extension by two blinded examiners.Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the median scores with respect to the preparation of class II cavities among students exposed to layered base plate (Mann-Whitney U-test, p < 0.05).There were no significant differences between the median scores awarded with respect to the preparation of class I cavity.A statistically significant difference was reported in self-perceived confidence among students who trained with the layered base plate (χ 2 , p < 0.05). Conclusion: Training on the layered base plate blocks increased students' initial confidence level in performing cavity preparations, and improved the preparation skills in class II cavity.Clinical significance: This study explores the methods of enhancing motor skills taught in preclinical operative dentistry courses, especially in short academic programs.
Authors: Mai E Khalaf, Qoot Alkhubaizi, Qasem D Alomari
Institution: Kuwait University
Language: English
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Kuwait University
OpenAlex ID: W2805483822